Digital Media Marketing: How LinkedIn will boost your business in 2014

Wednesday

Feb 5, 2014 at 2:03 PMFeb 5, 2014 at 2:03 PM

By Ryan JonesPropel Marketing

It’s been over 10 years since LinkedIn, the “World’s Largest Professional Network” was introduced to the Internet, growing from 4,500 members in 2003 to a staggering 259 million in 2014.LinkedIn has connected countless professionals, from entrepreneurs and entry-level employees to corporate CEOs, in a number of different ways.Companies rely on LinkedIn to present a professional face and build their presence in their industry. And on both sides of the desk, recruiters and job candidates alike have been able to use LinkedIn to gather and share information to help them gain a competitive edge.Even potential customers can read up on the experience and credibility of a specific business or industry to establish and build trust.Marketing: LinkedIn is the perfect place to market your business. You can share publications and articles about your business or even campaigns you are currently running. Other industry experts look to their peers to compare strategies and share notes on what’s happening in the business. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, CEO or store manager, sharing something on LinkedIn is ultimately an invaluable marketing strategy for your business.Networking: Trying to grow your business in the corporate arena? Networking is the foundation of LinkedIn. Joining groups that share a certain interest allows professionals to network with one another, meeting like-minded professionals within your same industry or related fields. Also, once you become someone’s contact on LinkedIn, you are then connected to all of their friends and connections. What are you waiting for? Network with classmates, coworkers, group members — that ideal business connection could only be 1 or 2 degrees away.Recruiting: Recruiters are actively searching for applicants on LinkedIn. With more than 90 percent of recruiters reporting to have screened and sourced potential candidates through LinkedIn, it’s clear that’s where businesses are going to find the next great fit for their team. It comes as no surprise that all employers desire something different and unique. With a professional network so vast and so connected, LinkedIn is the perfect place for your company to reach and engage with potential job candidates.Job hunting: LinkedIn allows members to display their resume and achievements for all employers to see. It is the perfect platform for college graduates and young professionals up to directors and CEOs in search of job opportunities. As a business owner, be sure to keep your LinkedIn business page professional and relevant. This will attract the brightest of talent and the candidates who are willing to do their research on a business before their interview. As a job seeker, keep your profile fresh and thorough, with all the relevant buzzwords to brag about your talents.If you haven’t joined the LinkedIn community, start connecting today with these useful, professional tips in mind. These strategies can certainly propel your business into a great position for the year ahead whether you’re trying to build brand awareness and industry prestige or grow your team with talented new employees.Propel Marketing is an online marketing company providing digital solutions to local small- and medium-sized businesses: www.propelmarketing.com.